Commentary
This event appeals to students who are curious about the world around them and enjoy forming opinions on a wide range of issues. Commentary competitors often enjoy reading widely, exploring editorials, columns, and analyses that reflect multiple viewpoints. The ability to connect a prompt to broader trends or personal insight makes this event especially engaging for students who like to think deeply, react quickly, and occasionally bring a touch of humor to their arguments.
To be successful in Commentary, students must be able to organize their thoughts quickly, articulate a clear perspective, and support their ideas with relevant examples and credible sources. Strong competitors demonstrate sharp critical thinking, persuasive delivery, and confident composure, all while seated and without the aid of notes.
Through extemporaneous commentary, I was provided an experience that taught artful presentation and intense competition, and introduced me to countless brilliant individuals – an experience that culminated in one of the grandest moments of my life, a national championship.
Is your program new to the NSDA?
Welcome!
Instructions
Welcome Back!
Instructions
- Program advisors can visit www.speechanddebate.org and click Member Login in the top right corner of the page. Use your username and password to log in to your account. Once you’ve logged in, click “Account” in the upper right corner, which will take you to your profile page. Please click “Renew School”, in red, from the left menu and follow the prompts at the top of the page to renew your school.
- High school membership is $149, with an option to upgrade to the all-school team Resource Package for an additional $199. Each individual high school student membership is a one-time $20 fee.
- Middle school membership is $75, with an option to upgrade to the all-school team Resource Package for an additional $199. Each individual middle school student membership is a one-time $10 fee.
- To finalize the renewal, follow the prompts on the page to review the following:
Step 1. Confirm information on the school profile page. Once confirmed/updated, click the “Next Step” button.
Step 2. Confirm the coaches listed. Once confirmed/updated, click the “Next Step” button.
Step 3. Create the invoice. The annual dues are automatically selected. You can use the toggle to select other options such as coach memberships, student memberships, insurance, and the Resource Package. The prices for each item are listed on the right side of your screen, and a running total is at the bottom in blue. When done, “Create Invoice and Proceed to Checkout”.
The system allows you to “Pay Now”, with a credit card or you can email the invoice to yourself or print out the pdf.
Need a Visual? Click here to watch our brief tutorial!
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Commentary
COM • High School Supplemental Event • Also known as Extemporaneous Commentary
Commentary (COM) is a five-minute public speaking event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students respond to a prompt drawn on a topic of societal, political, historical, or popular interest. Students have 20 minutes to prepare their speech, during which they may consult articles and evidence they have gathered in advance. At the National Tournament, internet access is permitted during prep time, though this may vary at other tournaments. The final speech is delivered from memory, without the use of notes, while the student is seated behind a desk or table.